The Western bank of the Thane Creek is the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai. A substantial tract of mangrove land is adjoining the Godrej & Boyce township, Pirojshanagar, in Vikhroli a suburb of Mumbai.
Vast area under mangroves has been conserved by Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre. Well diversified and well protected, these are the last- quality mangroves in the city. The vast expanse of these mangroves serve as a second lung of the city only after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park which is under immense environmental pressures.
The mangrove flora of Pirojshanagar is well diversified. There are 16 species of mangroves and mangrove associates. The faunal composition in the area is also equally diverse. Apart from
206 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 13 species of crabs, 7 species of prawns and 20 species of fish have been identified so far in the area. Mammals like jackals and mongoose also were sited many a times
This wetland acts as an important stopover for over hundred species of migratory birds including magnificent flamingos, gulls, terns, avocets & curlews.
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The SPG Marine Ecology Centre has taken several measures to protect these mangroves as a part of environmental and social responsibility. One of the major objectives of the centre is conservation of the marine diversity (mangrove ecosystem) through research, education/awareness building and regular monitoring. Simultaneously, centre is engaged in the propagation of various species of Mangroves, developing theme parks on medicinal plants and rare endemic plant species, palms amongst others.
Conservation Actitivities by SP Godrej Marine Ecology Centre
The Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre has undertaken several measures to protect the mangroves locally. Some of the programmes undertaken are
1 Regular monitoring/ patrolling in creek side mangrove area conserved by SPG Marine Ecology Centre to check possible destruction of existing mangroves and protecting rare species of mangroves.
2 Ecological restoration of degraded mangroves by raising nurseries and replenishing degraded mangrove areas through artificial regeneration in different areas.
3 Establishment of Mangrove Interpretation Centre: Dissemination of the information regarding the importance of mangrove conservation through film/slide shows, seminars, nature trails/camps, poster exhibitions etc.
Symbiosis of Industry and Nature...........
It was 12:40 p.m. on the clock on the 10th of November, 2005 in Hall no. 5 of Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. After the initial speeches Mr. Vijay Crishna, Master of Ceremony, announced the winner of the BNHS Green Governance Award: 2005 for the Category–Conservation & Restoration of Habitat.
Mr. Jamshyd Godrej received the award on behalf of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., from the hands of the honorable Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh for their Conservation and Restoration of Habitat project, for its commitment to the global community to protect the mangroves and promote their conservation through extensive environmental education campaign.
It was indeed a proud moment of recognition for every Godrejite, especially the S.P. Godrej Marine Ecology Centre (mangrove project) team as well as the efforts of entire Godrej team in keeping the environment clean green and safe. It was a salute by a 122 year old research oriented institute (BNHS) to a 108 year old (or rather young) commercial organisation. Moreover, it was a recognition for the scientific efforts at Godrej in striking an exemplary balance between industry and nature through environment friendly practices.
The preservation of open spaces and especially green open spaces such as mangroves has always been a priority for the Godrej family. Entire campus of the Company is an industrial garden township known as Pirojshanagar and is a living testimony for this commendable priority. The Pirojshanagar, in fact is a green oasis situated within urban Mumbai. The company strongly believes that this green environment enhances productivity and quality. Conservation of the greenery and mangroves are one of the many aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility shown by Godrej.
The Mangrove Conservation Project and its efforts is a pioneering endeavor in front of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility, which is in its fledgling state in the country shattering the popular myth that Industries are anti-environment.